How to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with kids

If you’ve got kids, St. Patrick's Day is usually more about leprechauns and rainbows than clinking glasses at the pub. Here's how you and your family can enjoy a whale of a time celebrating St. Patrick's Day right at home.

Dress in green

Nothing says St. Patrick's Day quite like sporting some green! Have your kids rummage through their wardrobes for the perfect green outfit. Or, get crafty and create some fun shamrock-themed clothing or accessories together. Think headbands, T-shirts, or even a tutu made out of green tulle. Your kids may get so excited they dress the house in green decor, too.

Bake shamrock goodies

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Embrace the holiday spirit by whipping up some shamrock-shaped treats, whether it's cookies, cupcakes with green icing, or a snack mix with green M&M's. Or, try some pre-made St. Patrick's Day treats like clover-shaped cookies or Lucky Charms cereal bars.

Explore Irish culture

Spend some time discovering the rich history and traditions of Ireland. Watch family-friendly videos, read about the history of St. Patrick, or investigate the magical world of leprechauns. You could even try your hand at making some authentic Irish dishes together.

Watch an Irish movie or TV show

Gather the family for a movie night with a touch of Irish charm. Have a fun time exploring the Irish accent by watching some of these Irish kids’ shows. Don't forget the popcorn and maybe some green-themed snacks! 

1. Punky: A heartwarming animated series about Punky, a little girl with Down syndrome. The show celebrates diversity and normalizes disability.

2. The Secret of Kells: This must-watch animated film brings to life the story of a young boy in the Abbey of Kells who becomes a master illuminator. It beautifully showcases Irish art and folklore.

3. Inis Spraoi: Set on a fictional island off the coast of Ireland, this engaging show follows the adventures of Séamus and his friends. Kids love its storytelling and lovable characters.

4. Wildernuts: An educational and fun animated series that takes kids on a thrilling ride across Wildernuts Island, teaching them about different animals and their habitats.

Take a nature walk

Step outside and breathe in the spring air with a family nature walk. Keep an eye out for budding plants or the cheerful sound of birds. Make it a game to spot the color green in as many places as you can.

Dance to Irish tunes

Crank up some Irish music and get everyone dancing. Teach your kids a simple jig or reel, or watch online tutorials to learn the basics of Irish step dancing together. Try these to get you started:

1. "The Rattlin' Bog": This is a fun cumulative song that gets faster as it progresses. It's a fantastic way to get your kids moving and improving their coordination.

2. "Molly Malone": This traditional Irish song tells the story of a fishmonger named Molly Malone. The melody is simple and easy for kids to pick up.

3. "The Unicorn Song": An Irish classic by The Dubliners, this song is a hit with kids due to its catchy tune and fantastical lyrics about unicorns.

Create your own leprechaun trap

Engage your child's creativity and engineering skills by constructing a leprechaun trap together. This project not only taps into the spirit of St. Patrick's Day but also serves as an excellent STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) activity. 

Start by brainstorming ideas on how you might lure a leprechaun into the trap. Leprechauns are known for their love of shiny objects and rainbows, so consider incorporating elements like gold coins (chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil work great), shiny beads, or colorful ribbons as bait.

Next, scavenge around the house for materials you can use to build your trap. Empty boxes, toilet paper rolls, craft sticks, string, construction paper, and glue can all become part of your design. Encourage your child to think about the mechanics of the trap: How will it capture the leprechaun once he or she's enticed by the bait? 

When your trap is set up, find the perfect spot to place it overnight. You might not catch a real leprechaun (they are quite sneaky after all), but you could end up finding some "gold" left behind by these elusive creatures as a reward for your clever efforts. 

Enjoy these activities and make this St. Patrick's Day a memorable one for your family. Wishing you all a magical day filled with fun and laughter!